The Friends and The Park

The Friends were established in 2003 and our aim is to protect and develop the environment and facilities of Sir Joseph Hood Memorial Playing Field.

We raise awareness of issues and work closely with Merton Council and many independent funding bodies to help this wonderful park remain a key resource for the community and visitors alike.

The main entrance to the park is off Marina Avenue, Motspur Park and the carpark has plenty of spaces. The park is managed by a permanent Park Ranger. It is open daily from 8am until dusk during the week, 9am to dusk at weekends and on bank holidays.

Sir Joseph Hood Memorial Playing Field came into existence in the 1930's and was named after a local benefactor. Prior to this, the land had been owned by Richard Garth, Lord of the Manor of Morden. Garth planted the Memorial Woodland in the 1860's and this survives in the park today.

The Memorial Woodland is a site of Borough Grade 1 importance for nature conservation and it became a designated local nature reserve in 1994.